Cherry pepper jelly is a delightful balance of sweet and spicy that can transform your appetizers, sandwiches, or cheese boards into memorable treats. This vibrant jelly boasts the unique zing of cherry peppers, which are both colorful and flavorful, paired perfectly with the sweetness of sugar and the subtle tang of vinegar.
If you’ve ever wanted to add a homemade gourmet touch to your pantry, this cherry pepper jelly recipe is a fantastic place to start. It’s easy to make, requires just a handful of ingredients, and can be enjoyed year-round.
Whether you’re a seasoned jelly maker or a curious beginner, this recipe promises a rewarding and tasty experience that will surely impress your family and friends.
Get ready to fill your kitchen with the aroma of fresh peppers and sweet syrup, and discover how simple it is to create a versatile condiment that’s perfect for gifting or personal indulgence. Let’s dive into the magic of cherry pepper jelly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cherry pepper jelly recipe is not only incredibly flavorful but also straightforward to prepare. The jelly’s vibrant red color and perfect balance of heat and sweetness make it a standout addition to any meal.
Unlike store-bought varieties, this homemade version uses fresh ingredients and can be customized to suit your preferred spice level.
Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. Use it as a glaze for grilled veggies, a spread on sandwiches, a topping for cream cheese on crackers, or even a delightful addition to your favorite vegan cheese recipes.
If you enjoy experimenting in the kitchen, you might also explore other easy and delicious homemade condiments like the Bombay Veg Sandwich Chutney Recipe or try pairing this jelly with the Best Vegan Pepper Jack Cheese Slice Recipe for Melty Flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound cherry peppers (stemmed and seeded)
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 packets (1.75 oz each) fruit pectin
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice for extra tang
Equipment
- Large saucepan
- Blender or food processor
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
- Jar funnel (optional but helpful)
- Glass canning jars with lids (preferably sterilized)
- Water bath canner or large stockpot for processing jars
- Ladle
Instructions
- Prepare the peppers: Wearing gloves, remove stems and seeds from the cherry peppers. Roughly chop them into small pieces for easier blending.
- Blend the peppers: Place chopped peppers in a blender or food processor and pulse until you get a coarse puree. You want small bits of pepper for texture, not a smooth paste.
- Cook the mixture: Transfer the pepper puree to a large saucepan. Add the white vinegar and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Add pectin and sugar: Once boiling, stir in the fruit pectin and bring back to a full rolling boil. Then add the granulated sugar all at once. Stir continuously to dissolve sugar completely.
- Boil the jelly: Boil the mixture for exactly one minute, maintaining a full rolling boil. Stir constantly to prevent burning.
- Optional step: Add the lemon juice for an extra bright flavor and stir well.
- Test the jelly: Remove a small spoonful and place it on a chilled plate. If it gels after a minute, your jelly is ready. If not, boil for another minute and test again.
- Jar the jelly: Using a ladle and funnel, pour the hot jelly into sterilized glass jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace.
- Seal and process jars: Wipe rims clean, place lids on jars and screw on bands to fingertip tightness. Process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure proper sealing.
- Cool and store: Remove jars from water bath and cool completely on a towel or cooling rack. Check seals after 24 hours. Store in a cool, dark place for up to one year.
Tips & Variations
“To reduce the heat, remove all seeds and membranes from the cherry peppers before blending. For a hotter jelly, leave some seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.”
– Use different types of vinegar like apple cider for a fruitier note. – Stir in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary during cooking for unique flavors.
– For a chunkier jelly, pulse the peppers less in the blender. – Experiment with substituting part of the sugar with honey for a richer taste.
– Try pairing this jelly with the Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious for a sweet and spicy sandwich spread.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per 1 Tbsp |
|---|---|
| Calories | 50 |
| Total Carbohydrates | 13g |
| Sugar | 12g |
| Fat | 0g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Sodium | 60mg |
| Vitamin C | 4% DV* |
*DV = Daily Value
Serving Suggestions
Cherry pepper jelly is a versatile condiment that can brighten up many dishes. Spread it on cream cheese and crackers for an easy appetizer.
Use it as a glaze for roasted vegetables or grilled tofu to add a sweet and spicy kick. It also pairs beautifully with vegan cheese slices or can be spooned over a simple sandwich for an extra burst of flavor.
For a creative twist, drizzle some over roasted nuts or mix into salad dressings for a hint of heat and sweetness. If you like exploring vegan recipes, check out the Best Vegan Kale Dip Recipe for Easy Healthy Snacking to pair with your jelly or the Vegan Dinners Recipes for Easy and Delicious Meals for wholesome meal ideas.
Conclusion
Making your own cherry pepper jelly is a rewarding culinary adventure that yields a flavorful, vibrant, and versatile condiment. This recipe is simple enough for beginners yet offers room for personalization, whether you prefer it mild or fiery.
The perfect balance of sweet and heat in this jelly makes it a delightful addition to your kitchen staples and a wonderful gift for friends and family.
Once you master this jelly, you might find yourself inspired to try other homemade preserves and condiments. Homemade creations like this not only taste better but also bring a sense of joy and accomplishment to your cooking routine.
Don’t forget to explore other delicious recipes such as the Black Bean Sauce Recipe Vegetarian: Easy & Delicious Guide or the Amazing Gluten Free Low Calorie Vegan Recipe Video Funny Moments for more inspiration!
📖 Recipe Card: Cherry Pepper Jelly
Description: A sweet and spicy jelly made from cherry peppers, perfect for glazing meats or serving with cheese. This easy recipe balances heat and sweetness for a flavorful condiment.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 3 cups
Ingredients
- 1 pound cherry peppers, seeded and chopped
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 package (1.75 oz) fruit pectin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Prepare cherry peppers by washing, seeding, and chopping.
- Combine peppers, sugar, vinegar, and salt in a large pot.
- Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently.
- Add fruit pectin and water, return to a rolling boil for 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and skim off any foam.
- Pour hot jelly into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace.
- Seal jars and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
- Let jars cool completely before storing.
Nutrition: Calories: 60 | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 0g | Carbs: 15g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Cherry Pepper Jelly”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A sweet and spicy jelly made from cherry peppers, perfect for glazing meats or serving with cheese. This easy recipe balances heat and sweetness for a flavorful condiment.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT30M”, “totalTime”: “PT45M”, “recipeYield”: “3 cups”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 pound cherry peppers, seeded and chopped”, “3 cups granulated sugar”, “1 cup white vinegar”, “1 package (1.75 oz) fruit pectin”, “1/2 teaspoon salt”, “1/4 cup water”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Prepare cherry peppers by washing, seeding, and chopping.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Combine peppers, sugar, vinegar, and salt in a large pot.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add fruit pectin and water, return to a rolling boil for 1 minute.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove from heat and skim off any foam.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour hot jelly into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Seal jars and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Let jars cool completely before storing.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “60”, “proteinContent”: “0.2g”, “fatContent”: “0g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “15g”}}
